A coffee table is a traditional piece of furniture. The name was fixed due to the fact that it is used as a place to store magazines and newspapers. A table is usually set in the living room, where you can meet with friends; less often - in the office, as an addition to the desktop, on the open terrace, as a place for relaxing and reading books. It is needed by active and creative people who always have a laptop at hand. Coffee tables are distinguished by height, shape, materials for the execution of the countertop and frame, the presence of a folding mechanism, the method of movement. Nowadays, universal low tables have gained popularity. Some of them can also serve as a seat. Also made tables with lights, voids, attached chairs; in the form of several combined countertops. So much variety will satisfy any request.
The installation of a coffee table completes the design of living rooms and cabinets. Sometimes they put it in the hallway, other rooms. Literature and fruit plates are usually placed on the coffee table; used as a work surface. This is a compact and useful thing for the interior. The coffee table is an important functional element. One of the most noticeable advantages is the convenience of cleaning: everything that is on the surface can be quickly picked up. Tables with metal worktops can cope with any load due to scratch resistance. They can be used to place decorating items such as vases and serving trays. Since the loads on them are small, the service life will be long. There is a wide variety of forms and materials of execution.
The choice of a table according to the style of interior
A carved wooden table in brown or white is an ideal option for a classic interior. The choice must be made between a rectangular and a round shape. Country-style furnishings allow for a wide variety of execution methods. A table in the form of several connected boards with large wheels will be in harmony with the external decoration and stylistic design techniques. Art Nouveau style allows the use of all kinds of materials. But if wood is used more often in country style, the modernist prefers synthetic materials. In a traditional modern interior, metal and glass look best - it is from these materials that most coffee tables are made. The style of pop art provides for the creation of exclusive items from interesting details. An ordinary table with design elements is also suitable.Loft style involves the presence of homemade wooden tables. Some tables will be inappropriate in a modern interior:
too high;
bulky;
from non-environmentally friendly materials.
Size and Models
For a countertop, the standard size is 80 × 80 cm. If it is rectangular, then with a width of 80 cm, the length can go up to 1.6 m. The height of the tables also depends on the shape of the countertop. If it is rectangular, then the height is made within 50 cm, sometimes higher. With a square configuration of the countertop, this figure in most cases will be large. Designers advise choosing coffee tables that do not exceed the height of the seats by more than 5 cm. The configuration of the table depends on the creativity of the masters and customers. The usual square and rectangular shape blends well with classic and minimalist interiors. Round will be relevant everywhere. A large number of two- and three-level coffee tables of any shape, as well as transformer models, appeared on sale. Rectilinear tables with a complex design and a large number of sections have gained popularity.
A variety of materials and color palette of finished products
On an industrial scale, materials such as wood (natural and artificial), metal, glass (ordinary and impact resistant), polymers, plastic, stone (real and artificial), as well as various multilayer sheets are used. The norms of modern design do not exclude the use of any materials. Their combination, the presence of synthetics, the creation of functional and decorative forms are welcome. The color scheme of wooden and metal tables is limited mainly to dirty and mixed shades. For wood, these are brown and reddish tones, for metals - silver, black and bronze. Wood and iron furniture are sometimes painted white or red. Tables made of multi-colored glass will suit lovers of bright interiors.Modern synthetic materials are painted in all kinds of colors and shades.
Criteria that are recommended to pay attention to before buying a table:
Product durability.
Environmental friendliness.
Workmanship.
Appearance.
Wooden
Wooden tables are a classic element of furniture. Wooden tables can have straight, straight shapes; performed in the form of a complex structure; have rounded lines; be of the correct configuration or performed from a tree slice; to be composed of many cuts. The material most often used is natural wood. But synthetics has several advantages: a wider choice of colors, more accurate execution, etc. The color scheme of natural products is limited to dark brown, coffee, burgundy and dark red shades. Worktops are usually made of the same material as the base, but there are models with a glass or iron top. Wood products smell pleasant, and their appearance will add to the interior comfort and festivity. Wooden tables are the best choice for most modern apartments.
Glass
In modern design, glass and other materials that transmit light are relevant. They have a number of advantages. Transparent tables visually increase the space, facilitate its perception. If you choose a table made of tempered glass, you can be calm for the safety and security in operation. Glass tables do not require careful maintenance. If desired, their glass is decorated with colored tint. The support can be made not only of glass, but also of many other materials and finished forms (animal horns, snags). But there are some disadvantages. On a table with ordinary glass, scratches and small chips will appear from time to time. Transparent materials vary greatly in price, so the more durable and better, the more expensive. Some models of glass tables are complex in terms of design and manufacture.
Metal
Coffee tables made of such material as metal have long been valued. Their advantages lie in a wide variety of design solutions, durability, strength. The key disadvantage is the complexity of production: if you conceive a table of an unusual shape, then many craftsmen may refuse to produce it. Another important nuance is the high cost. These disadvantages can be attributed to a lot of weight. It is recommended to buy a table with wheels to make it easier to move, and the flooring does not spoil. The color palette is represented by a small number of options. Own surface is silver, black, brown or gray. It is often painted white and red. The most aesthetic option is a table with a shiny polished surface. Metal tables are forged, welded, cast, etc. The tabletop can be metal or glass, less often from other materials.
Chromed tables are ideal: they look presentable and the least traumatic.
Material combination
Multi-level tables are usually made of several materials. For example, there are models in which the legs are made of wood, the countertop is made of glass, and the stand under it is in the form of weaving from many branches. Expensive wooden tables are decorated with countertops made of decorative stone or inserts from ornamental stones. Wood looks good on a metal base. The metal is the most durable and resistant to mechanical damage. Wheels for movement, various sections, frame for wooden and legs for glass tables are made of this material. Iron structures are combined with transparent plastic, stone countertops. Glass and stone also complement each other perfectly: walls are made of glass, and the top is made of stone and vice versa. Glass surfaces are also used in wooden models.
Do-it-yourself options for making coffee / coffee tables
Old bulky items, various storage devices, or large fragments of tree trunks or crowns may come in handy. Coffee / coffee tables made from simple materials blend perfectly with the styles that are popular in our time. Homemade table should be functional, have a neat appearance. The process of making a table with your own hands will consist of 3-5 stages. First you need to think about the configuration of the main part of the table. After that, the necessary tools and materials are prepared. The workpiece must be cleaned of dirt and parasites, sanded and varnished. After that, they are engaged in the base - it will serve as protection for the floor. If necessary, make a countertop. In the end, all parts are connected and proceed to decoration. For mobility, a homemade table is equipped with wheels. The costs of making a coffee table from improvised tools will be minimal, and those who have their own workshop will need a minimum of time and effort.
From a wine barrel
This piece of furniture looks original and stylish. In the barrel itself, you can allocate a place to store various accessories. In the process, you will need things like an electric jigsaw, an electric drill, a circular saw, bolts and self-tapping screws, sandpaper of coarse and fine grain, a tape measure with a pencil, varnish for surface treatment and boards. First of all, a wine barrel is sawn vertically with a circular saw. After that, it is necessary to clean one of the resulting halves from dust, dirt and chips. As a next step, varnish is applied to a wooden surface. After the previous layer has dried, it is covered with a new one. Then, mounts for half the barrel are cut from the boards. The outlines of their recesses should coincide with the curvature of the barrel. Then the fasteners are combined by a partition. A wine barrel connects to this design; then a countertop is placed on top.Under the fasteners and the partition, you can make the base of another surface. Instead of varnish, you can use:
oil for wood;
stain.
From the old chest
A chest with a flat lid will do. It will be necessary to use metal furniture fittings, liquid polyurethane, masking tape, wood varnish, a grinder, fine-grained emery, a screwdriver or drill, wooden beams, and self-tapping screws. First, the chest is cleaned of dust. Next, four identical legs are cut from the bars. For a more decorative look, they are shaped like a cropped pyramid. They are attached to the bottom. If there was old paint on the chest, it is better to remove it. The surface is processed by a grinding machine. After rubbing with sandpaper, repeat grinding. Metal parts must be rubbed with fine-grained sandpaper. After that, the chest is varnished for wood. When the surface dries, two layers of liquid polyurethane are applied to it: a full-fledged coffee table is ready. They decided to decorate antique-finished rooms.
From wooden crates
If they were not found at hand, then you can search in specialized stores. The essence of the work is to connect several boxes. It is recommended to create a base for them of sufficient thickness or attach wheels. You will need a screwdriver, screws, hammer, nails, emery, brush and varnish, wheels (preferably), a sheet of plywood, four identical wooden boxes. First of all, the roughness on the boxes is removed with sandpaper. Then they are varnished. While the boxes are drying, the base is prepared from plywood. One side should be equal to the sum of the length and height of one box, because they will need to be put on one side. Boxes are attached to the plywood sheet with nails. They are laid in such a way that the bottom of each of them "looks" inward. The space inside the drawers can be equipped with small shelves. The last step is to install the wheels.
From pallet
To perform the work, such materials and devices will be required: a set for decorating, paints for wood, glue, four roller wheels, clamps, an electric drill, connecting bolts, a grinder, fixing plates, plywood, wooden beams, a euro-size pallet. First, prepare the surface of the pallet (pallets). First of all, this concerns the grinding of the ends from irregularities. The pallet is covered with a sheet of plywood, the protruding edges are trimmed. Fastening is done with screws. It is necessary that they enter checkers in the corners of pallets. The same thing is done on the reverse side. Then install the mounting plate. They are fastened in such a way that two screws are in the base beam. If there is no need for another grinding, then you can proceed to painting. The most suitable color is white. After that, the table is decorated with decorative elements.
Out of a suitcase
Instead of throwing away an unnecessary suitcase, you can turn it into a coffee table. You will need such materials and devices as a screwdriver, brushes, conventional and decorative nails, acrylic paint, wooden or metal legs, spray paint, strips, fiberboard or particleboard, plywood and dense fabric. First, the sides and bottom of an open suitcase are reinforced with wooden planks. They are stacked in the form of a lattice, sheathed with fiberboard. Then the bottom and side surfaces are painted with a spray paint. Now you need to attach the legs to the suitcase. The tabletop lid must be covered with paint - it can be in the same or a different color. After the paint has dried, the inside and the outside of the suitcase are covered with a dense fabric. It is fixed with decorative nails. After that, the cooked countertop is placed. It can be applied with acrylic paint.
One of the following types of fabrics is suitable:
velvet;
velveteen;
silk;
axamite.
From a treehouse
Preference should be given to log cabins that are resistant to moisture.It is recommended to avoid thin cuts. A piece of wood that is too thick will not work either - it will make the structure heavier. There should be no knots on it. First, the material is prepared: bumps are eliminated, for which you need coarse sandpaper, a grinder, a metal brush, a chisel. Then the blockhouse is placed on the base - legs. It should be attached to it due to furniture screws. The voids in the tree are filled with epoxy. Its color is changed with the help of cement, bronze powder and chalk to gray, brown and white, respectively. After the surface hardens, it is ground. This must be done very carefully, because the likelihood that something will happen to the log house will constantly increase. The final stage is varnishing, preferably polyurethane.
In order not to injure your hands during the processing and preparation of the tree, it is recommended to use gloves.
Conclusion
The table is an indispensable element in the arrangement of the recreation area. In the hall you need to purchase a coffee table, combined with sofas and armchairs. The smaller the room, the more compact it should be, but functional purpose is more important than size. It is recommended to stop the selection on a small table with several sections. If it is difficult to determine the style, then it is better to choose a round without additional elements. However, in appearance it will be intuitively clear whether the table is suitable for the current situation or not. A metal support and a rectangular glass top are the optimal combination in most cases. This piece of furniture can be made independently. This will take 1-2 days. Perfectly fit into the interior tables from an old suitcase, a stylized chest, empty beer or wine barrels.
A coffee table is a traditional piece of furniture. The name was fixed due to the fact that it is used as a place to store magazines and newspapers. A table is usually set in the living room, where you can meet with friends; less often - in the office, as an addition to the desktop, on the open terrace, as a place for relaxing and reading books. It is needed by active and creative people who always have a laptop at hand. Coffee tables are distinguished by height, shape, materials for the execution of the countertop and frame, the presence of a folding mechanism, the method of movement. Nowadays, universal low tables have gained popularity. Some of them can also serve as a seat. Also made tables with lights, voids, attached chairs; in the form of several combined countertops. So much variety will satisfy any request.
Content
Functions and advantages of coffee tables
The installation of a coffee table completes the design of living rooms and cabinets. Sometimes they put it in the hallway, other rooms. Literature and fruit plates are usually placed on the coffee table; used as a work surface. This is a compact and useful thing for the interior. The coffee table is an important functional element. One of the most noticeable advantages is the convenience of cleaning: everything that is on the surface can be quickly picked up. Tables with metal worktops can cope with any load due to scratch resistance. They can be used to place decorating items such as vases and serving trays. Since the loads on them are small, the service life will be long. There is a wide variety of forms and materials of execution.
The choice of a table according to the style of interior
A carved wooden table in brown or white is an ideal option for a classic interior. The choice must be made between a rectangular and a round shape. Country-style furnishings allow for a wide variety of execution methods. A table in the form of several connected boards with large wheels will be in harmony with the external decoration and stylistic design techniques. Art Nouveau style allows the use of all kinds of materials. But if wood is used more often in country style, the modernist prefers synthetic materials. In a traditional modern interior, metal and glass look best - it is from these materials that most coffee tables are made. The style of pop art provides for the creation of exclusive items from interesting details. An ordinary table with design elements is also suitable.Loft style involves the presence of homemade wooden tables.
Some tables will be inappropriate in a modern interior:
Size and Models
For a countertop, the standard size is 80 × 80 cm. If it is rectangular, then with a width of 80 cm, the length can go up to 1.6 m. The height of the tables also depends on the shape of the countertop. If it is rectangular, then the height is made within 50 cm, sometimes higher. With a square configuration of the countertop, this figure in most cases will be large. Designers advise choosing coffee tables that do not exceed the height of the seats by more than 5 cm. The configuration of the table depends on the creativity of the masters and customers. The usual square and rectangular shape blends well with classic and minimalist interiors. Round will be relevant everywhere. A large number of two- and three-level coffee tables of any shape, as well as transformer models, appeared on sale. Rectilinear tables with a complex design and a large number of sections have gained popularity.
A variety of materials and color palette of finished products
On an industrial scale, materials such as wood (natural and artificial), metal, glass (ordinary and impact resistant), polymers, plastic, stone (real and artificial), as well as various multilayer sheets are used. The norms of modern design do not exclude the use of any materials. Their combination, the presence of synthetics, the creation of functional and decorative forms are welcome. The color scheme of wooden and metal tables is limited mainly to dirty and mixed shades. For wood, these are brown and reddish tones, for metals - silver, black and bronze. Wood and iron furniture are sometimes painted white or red. Tables made of multi-colored glass will suit lovers of bright interiors.Modern synthetic materials are painted in all kinds of colors and shades.
Criteria that are recommended to pay attention to before buying a table:
Wooden
Wooden tables are a classic element of furniture. Wooden tables can have straight, straight shapes; performed in the form of a complex structure; have rounded lines; be of the correct configuration or performed from a tree slice; to be composed of many cuts. The material most often used is natural wood. But synthetics has several advantages: a wider choice of colors, more accurate execution, etc. The color scheme of natural products is limited to dark brown, coffee, burgundy and dark red shades. Worktops are usually made of the same material as the base, but there are models with a glass or iron top. Wood products smell pleasant, and their appearance will add to the interior comfort and festivity. Wooden tables are the best choice for most modern apartments.
Glass
In modern design, glass and other materials that transmit light are relevant. They have a number of advantages. Transparent tables visually increase the space, facilitate its perception. If you choose a table made of tempered glass, you can be calm for the safety and security in operation. Glass tables do not require careful maintenance. If desired, their glass is decorated with colored tint. The support can be made not only of glass, but also of many other materials and finished forms (animal horns, snags). But there are some disadvantages. On a table with ordinary glass, scratches and small chips will appear from time to time. Transparent materials vary greatly in price, so the more durable and better, the more expensive. Some models of glass tables are complex in terms of design and manufacture.
Metal
Coffee tables made of such material as metal have long been valued. Their advantages lie in a wide variety of design solutions, durability, strength. The key disadvantage is the complexity of production: if you conceive a table of an unusual shape, then many craftsmen may refuse to produce it. Another important nuance is the high cost. These disadvantages can be attributed to a lot of weight. It is recommended to buy a table with wheels to make it easier to move, and the flooring does not spoil. The color palette is represented by a small number of options. Own surface is silver, black, brown or gray. It is often painted white and red. The most aesthetic option is a table with a shiny polished surface. Metal tables are forged, welded, cast, etc. The tabletop can be metal or glass, less often from other materials.
Material combination
Multi-level tables are usually made of several materials. For example, there are models in which the legs are made of wood, the countertop is made of glass, and the stand under it is in the form of weaving from many branches. Expensive wooden tables are decorated with countertops made of decorative stone or inserts from ornamental stones. Wood looks good on a metal base. The metal is the most durable and resistant to mechanical damage. Wheels for movement, various sections, frame for wooden and legs for glass tables are made of this material. Iron structures are combined with transparent plastic, stone countertops. Glass and stone also complement each other perfectly: walls are made of glass, and the top is made of stone and vice versa. Glass surfaces are also used in wooden models.
Do-it-yourself options for making coffee / coffee tables
Old bulky items, various storage devices, or large fragments of tree trunks or crowns may come in handy. Coffee / coffee tables made from simple materials blend perfectly with the styles that are popular in our time. Homemade table should be functional, have a neat appearance. The process of making a table with your own hands will consist of 3-5 stages. First you need to think about the configuration of the main part of the table. After that, the necessary tools and materials are prepared. The workpiece must be cleaned of dirt and parasites, sanded and varnished. After that, they are engaged in the base - it will serve as protection for the floor. If necessary, make a countertop. In the end, all parts are connected and proceed to decoration. For mobility, a homemade table is equipped with wheels. The costs of making a coffee table from improvised tools will be minimal, and those who have their own workshop will need a minimum of time and effort.
From a wine barrel
This piece of furniture looks original and stylish. In the barrel itself, you can allocate a place to store various accessories. In the process, you will need things like an electric jigsaw, an electric drill, a circular saw, bolts and self-tapping screws, sandpaper of coarse and fine grain, a tape measure with a pencil, varnish for surface treatment and boards. First of all, a wine barrel is sawn vertically with a circular saw. After that, it is necessary to clean one of the resulting halves from dust, dirt and chips. As a next step, varnish is applied to a wooden surface. After the previous layer has dried, it is covered with a new one. Then, mounts for half the barrel are cut from the boards. The outlines of their recesses should coincide with the curvature of the barrel. Then the fasteners are combined by a partition. A wine barrel connects to this design; then a countertop is placed on top.Under the fasteners and the partition, you can make the base of another surface.
Instead of varnish, you can use:
From the old chest
A chest with a flat lid will do. It will be necessary to use metal furniture fittings, liquid polyurethane, masking tape, wood varnish, a grinder, fine-grained emery, a screwdriver or drill, wooden beams, and self-tapping screws. First, the chest is cleaned of dust. Next, four identical legs are cut from the bars. For a more decorative look, they are shaped like a cropped pyramid. They are attached to the bottom. If there was old paint on the chest, it is better to remove it. The surface is processed by a grinding machine. After rubbing with sandpaper, repeat grinding. Metal parts must be rubbed with fine-grained sandpaper. After that, the chest is varnished for wood. When the surface dries, two layers of liquid polyurethane are applied to it: a full-fledged coffee table is ready. They decided to decorate antique-finished rooms.
From wooden crates
If they were not found at hand, then you can search in specialized stores. The essence of the work is to connect several boxes. It is recommended to create a base for them of sufficient thickness or attach wheels. You will need a screwdriver, screws, hammer, nails, emery, brush and varnish, wheels (preferably), a sheet of plywood, four identical wooden boxes. First of all, the roughness on the boxes is removed with sandpaper. Then they are varnished. While the boxes are drying, the base is prepared from plywood. One side should be equal to the sum of the length and height of one box, because they will need to be put on one side. Boxes are attached to the plywood sheet with nails. They are laid in such a way that the bottom of each of them "looks" inward. The space inside the drawers can be equipped with small shelves. The last step is to install the wheels.
From pallet
To perform the work, such materials and devices will be required: a set for decorating, paints for wood, glue, four roller wheels, clamps, an electric drill, connecting bolts, a grinder, fixing plates, plywood, wooden beams, a euro-size pallet. First, prepare the surface of the pallet (pallets). First of all, this concerns the grinding of the ends from irregularities. The pallet is covered with a sheet of plywood, the protruding edges are trimmed. Fastening is done with screws. It is necessary that they enter checkers in the corners of pallets. The same thing is done on the reverse side. Then install the mounting plate. They are fastened in such a way that two screws are in the base beam. If there is no need for another grinding, then you can proceed to painting. The most suitable color is white. After that, the table is decorated with decorative elements.
Out of a suitcase
Instead of throwing away an unnecessary suitcase, you can turn it into a coffee table. You will need such materials and devices as a screwdriver, brushes, conventional and decorative nails, acrylic paint, wooden or metal legs, spray paint, strips, fiberboard or particleboard, plywood and dense fabric. First, the sides and bottom of an open suitcase are reinforced with wooden planks. They are stacked in the form of a lattice, sheathed with fiberboard. Then the bottom and side surfaces are painted with a spray paint. Now you need to attach the legs to the suitcase. The tabletop lid must be covered with paint - it can be in the same or a different color. After the paint has dried, the inside and the outside of the suitcase are covered with a dense fabric. It is fixed with decorative nails. After that, the cooked countertop is placed. It can be applied with acrylic paint.
One of the following types of fabrics is suitable:
From a treehouse
Preference should be given to log cabins that are resistant to moisture.It is recommended to avoid thin cuts. A piece of wood that is too thick will not work either - it will make the structure heavier. There should be no knots on it. First, the material is prepared: bumps are eliminated, for which you need coarse sandpaper, a grinder, a metal brush, a chisel. Then the blockhouse is placed on the base - legs. It should be attached to it due to furniture screws. The voids in the tree are filled with epoxy. Its color is changed with the help of cement, bronze powder and chalk to gray, brown and white, respectively. After the surface hardens, it is ground. This must be done very carefully, because the likelihood that something will happen to the log house will constantly increase. The final stage is varnishing, preferably polyurethane.
Conclusion
The table is an indispensable element in the arrangement of the recreation area. In the hall you need to purchase a coffee table, combined with sofas and armchairs. The smaller the room, the more compact it should be, but functional purpose is more important than size. It is recommended to stop the selection on a small table with several sections. If it is difficult to determine the style, then it is better to choose a round without additional elements. However, in appearance it will be intuitively clear whether the table is suitable for the current situation or not. A metal support and a rectangular glass top are the optimal combination in most cases. This piece of furniture can be made independently. This will take 1-2 days. Perfectly fit into the interior tables from an old suitcase, a stylized chest, empty beer or wine barrels.